2019 08-15 SB Channel
Skies were covered by a marine stratus layer until we found some sun out near the world-famous Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island. Seas were calm and, in spots, very glassy. Sightings for the trip included 3 live humpback whales, 3000 long-beaked common dolphins and, 1 deceased humpback whale calf.
We followed a pair of adult whales around for about 1 hour and had amazing looks. One was slightly smaller than the other, and this individual rolled on its side quite a few times, and even swam upside down. It was an un-named Humpback Whale, Id HW-MN0501846, Sex Unknown, First Sighted 05/26/2019 by Adam Earnster on board the Condor Express. Towards the end of the sighting, the pair came upon an active hot spot with plenty of birds and dolphins. There were a few instances of lunge-feeding. About this time a third whale, a juvenile, came into the zone and we observed it closely.
As has been the case for the past few weeks, dolphins were everywhere. Some pods were near 1000 strong, others much smaller. The first pod contained around 500 animals and was a nursery pod. Calves young and old were in the mix.
After we left the Cave and started on a course back to the harbor, Captain Dave got a call to investigate a dead whale reported nearby. It appeared to be the little calf that we saw with its possibly grieving mother yesterday. It was now belly-up and about 5 miles southeast of yesterday’s encounter. Mom was nowhere to be seen.
The rest of the trip home was smooth and full of live dolphin encounters.
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Often times attempted matings by amorous males (beneath female) are rejected at the female rolls over to prevent any "hanky-panky." Photo is useful for beginning students of female dolphin anatomy.
Delphinus capensis female genital and mammary slits VENTRAL anatomy 2019 08-15 SB Channel--022
DelphinuscapensisfemalegenitalandmammaryslitsVENTRALanatomy2019Channel022
Whale fans enjoy the show on the Condor Express...best views of leviathans around!
Megaptera novaeangliae & passengers 2019 08-15 SB Channel-b-045
A humpback whale is seen mostly underwater. A giant kelp stipe is passing across its back.
Megaptera novaeangliae mostly UW pec fin & Macrocystis 2019 08-15 SB Channel--273
Humpback whale with a strand of giant kelp (Macrocystis) debris draped across its back. Kelping.
Megaptera novaeangliae KELPING Macrocystis 2019 08-15 SB Channel--003
Two adult humpback whales, one repeatedly rolled around and spent time swimmin on its side, as seen here.
Megaptera novaeangliae 2019 08-15 SB Channel-b-079
A humpback whale surface lunge-feeding in the direction of the camera. The tip of its rostrum tubercles across the surface, and expanded ventral grooves are visible. Sooty shearwaters take flight in background.
Megaptera novaeangliae lunge-feeding head on view 2019 08-15 SB Channel--004
